Bruce Thornton highlights past connection with Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 7, 2026, 9:11 PM
Last updated Jul 7, 2026
Bruce Thornton, the recent No. 31 overall pick, discussed his past connections with current Houston Rockets players. Speaking to the media, he revealed that he played AAU basketball with Jabari Smith Jr. during their elementary school years. Thornton expressed enthusiasm about joining the team and looks forward to learning from veteran point guard Fred VanVleet. He had studied VanVleet's game while playing at Ohio State and believes VanVleet will be instrumental in helping him adapt to the Rockets' rotation.
- •Bruce Thornton was selected No. 31 overall in the recent draft.
- •Thornton has a history with Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. from AAU.
- •He aims to learn from veteran guard Fred VanVleet.
- •Thornton played four years of college basketball at Ohio State.
- 9:11 PMYahoo Sports — Bruce Thornton reveals unique connection to current Rockets forward
"Recent No. 31 overall pick Bruce Thornton revealed that he used to play AAU basketball with one of his new Rockets teammates.
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